This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole comes together in about 30 minutes and is baked to bubbly perfection, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, dinner has never been simpler or more satisfying.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
You can use either beef or Italian sausage depending on your preference! I love spicy sausage for an extra kick, but you can’t go wrong with good ol’ ground beef either.
1 (24 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
Frozen ravioli is a game-changer! Super convenient, and it keeps well in the freezer, so it’s perfect for those busy weeknights.
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara! Either way, it adds tons of flavor to our casserole.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Mozzarella is a must here—its melty goodness makes everything so comforting! Save some for the top.
1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
I usually opt for ricotta because it gives this dish that creamy texture, but cottage cheese works wonderfully too.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Because more cheese is always better, right? Parmesan on top adds an extra layer of flavor.
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
This gives the casserole a wonderfully creamy consistency. Pro tip: let it sit out while you prep other ingredients, so it softens nicely!
1/2 cup sour cream
Sour cream brings a little tang, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Feel free to adjust this to your taste—it’s a great way to sneak in some herbs!
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Because garlic makes everything better. Use fresh minced garlic if you’d like a punchy flavor!
Salt and pepper to taste
A couple pinches of salt and pepper really heighten the flavors!
Here’s How It’s Done
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by browning your ground beef or sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. This should take about 5-7 minutes or until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, and then stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, just enough time for all those delicious flavors to meld together. Oh, the smell will be amazing!
Step 2: Mix the Cheeses
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and Parmesan until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. It’s gonna be thick and luscious! Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, a couple pinches of salt and pepper. It should smell incredible!
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Now, let’s grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter. Start by spreading a layer of your meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Then, layer half of the frozen ravioli on top followed by half of the cheese mixture, and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella. Repeat these layers—meat sauce, ravioli, cheese mixture—ending with mozzarella on the very top. Trust me, it creates the most amazing cheesy crust!
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven preheated to 375°F. Bake for 30 minutes. After that, uncover it and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until it’s all golden and bubbly. Let it sit for 10 minutes once you take it out of the oven, because seriously—it’s molten hot!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with some fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy, and serve it up warm. Your family will be diving in like it’s the last of the mashed potatoes!
Why I Adore This Recipe
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is my go-to recipe when I’m in a rush but still want a fulfilling and delicious meal on the table. Plus, it screams comfort food! I’m a real sucker for all things cheesy, and—and the best part is—it’s super customizable! You can throw in veggies, different proteins, or whatever leftovers you have hanging out in your fridge.
I remember the first time I made this for a family dinner. My picky 8-year-old—who usually rolls her eyes at the mention of ravioli—actually asked for seconds! That’s totally a win in my book.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my super easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, my comforting Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, or my crowd-pleasing Vegetable Lasagna!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This casserole honestly comes together in under 30 minutes before it heads into the oven. It’s the perfect rescue recipe for those busy weeknights when you just need to get food on the table fast.
Minimal Cleanup Required
One pot, a bowl for mixing, and a baking dish. That’s it! And honestly? Who doesn’t love less clean-up?
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love it! Seriously, if you’re worried about picky eaters, worry not. This dish is loaded with cheese and flavors that are universally adored.
Comfort Food
It’s warm, creamy, and, let’s face it—everything we want when we’re looking for comfort food. Each bite is like a warm hug!
Customizable
Did I mention how easily you can switch it up? Use whatever ravioli you have on hand—beef, spinach, or even a blend! You can also add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a health boost.
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
This gooey casserole pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for that classic Italian feel. You’ll want to soak up every bit of that cheesy sauce!
How Long It Keeps
In the fridge, this casserole will keep for up to 3 days. Just let it cool, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Best Method to Reheat
To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, although oven reheating keeps the cheese all melty and delightful.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can totally freeze this casserole before baking it. Just wrap it tightly in foil and freeze it. When you’re ready to indulge, just bake it straight from the freezer—just add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
So there you have it! This Quick and Easy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is an absolute winner for any busy weeknight meal. It’s packed with flavor, super comforting, and easy to customize. Don’t forget to keep this little gem in your back pocket for those “what’s for dinner?” moments. Happy cooking, friends!
By following this post, you’re now on your way to make a comforting dish that not only will fill your family but also keep them asking for seconds. Enjoy!
Print
Quick and Easy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This million dollar ravioli casserole is a quick, easy, and comforting dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 (24 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the meat by cooking it in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce, simmering for 5 minutes.
- Mix the cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and Parmesan in a bowl until smooth. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the casserole in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layering meat sauce, ravioli, cheese mixture, and 1 cup mozzarella, repeating the layers and finishing with mozzarella on top.
- Bake covered with foil at 375°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
This dish is customizable; feel free to add veggies or switch proteins. Pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg